He Dwelt Among Us

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Scripture: John 1:14 (ESV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Devotion:

            Today’s scripture is a perfect ending to the Advent/Christmas season. These words explain to us what happened on that night in Bethlehem. They describe the actions of our God and yet are full of mystery and intrigue. No one, even the angel messengers, could fully comprehend what God was up to in that ordinary scene the gospels bear witness to. What, for example, does “the word made flesh” really mean?

            John talks about the glory of God being made plain in this tiny baby. We know that God's glory would be made known to all later in life at the transfiguration and the resurrection. Jesus' ascension into the heavens would be a definitive sign of his majesty. Yet what glory did this baby who needed to be fed, changed, and cuddled show of God’s glory?

            Was it the strange visitors that appeared? The shepherds came to tell their story that angels had proclaimed to them that this baby was, despite all appearances, really a king. A few weeks later, Maji from the east came with the same news. The glory of God was cleverly concealed in this tiny, helpless baby. So severe was Satan’s hatred of this tiny boy that he inspired King Herod to have all the boys in that region to be killed.

            King Herod’s plan was spoiled when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus left town, being warned in a dream of the impending slaughter. It was clear that this baby was destined for great things. But for now, he had to grow up like any ordinary boy. He honored his father and mother and probably learned his father’s trade. He was a model son and brother to his half-siblings. All the people were perhaps impressed by the boy's obedience and holiness.

            Still, nothing about this child, Jesus, would indicate his eventual greatness in word and deed. We still wonder at the thought of God becoming a human baby with all a baby's frailty and neediness. This was God’s plan to make the extraordinary seem ordinary and mundane. God was preparing Jesus for a life including healing and other miraculous events. Most importantly, God prepared Jesus for a cross and an empty tomb. Yes, Jesus came to dwell among us. He offers us a way out of our sin and brokenness. Let us praise God for his marvelous gift of a baby in a manger 2,000 years ago.

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for becoming flesh to save us from our sins. May we reflect some of your glory as we live our lives each day. We find it amazing beyond words to describe your gift to us, so we will worship and praise you for what you have done on our behalf. All our praise is insufficient to thank you for what you did in Bethlehem so long ago. May we live lives that reflect at least partially your goodness and grace. Amen.

 

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